Out and about in Dover: The best bets for St. Patrick's Day weekend

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you don't have to look far. With St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, there's plenty to do that will keep you giddy and green.

Christine Miller, Arts & Entertainment

HAIR-RAISING FUN AT DOVER HIGH

WHAT "Hairspray" the musical WHERE Dover High School (in auditorium), 1 Pat Lynn Drive, Dover

WHEN 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday COST $6 (students); $8 (parents); $24 family of four INFO doverhigh.capital.k12.de.us or (302) 672-1525

Big hair and big attitude is all the rage this weekend at Dover High School. And, while the attitudes would never be acceptable in class, it's definitely acceptable on stage in the drama students' production of "Hairspray," which hits the stage tonight.

Directed by Julius Robinson — "Hairspray" spotlights the pleasantly plump teen Tracy Turnblad and her big bouffant during the early 1960s in Baltimore, Md. The girl is a dancing machine who dreams of gracing the popular teen dance program, the "Corny Collins Show," hosted by the hunk Link Larkin. However, Turnblad's plus-sized mom, Edna, worries her bubbly daughter will get mocked for being big boned if she appears on the show. Still intent on dancing her heart out on the show, "Hairspray" uses sugary tunes and stylish footwork to remind people how silly racism and prejudice is.

"It's such a good message," said senior Cesar Martinez, 17, cast as Edna. "I love how they put this really deep message into this fun musical. It's not a drama; it's this fun comedy that has such a good message in it."

UNLIKELY LOVE AT CAESAR RODNEY HIGH

WHAT "Beauty and the Beast"

WHERE Caesar Rodney High School, 239 Old North Road, Camden

WHEN 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday

COST $5 to $8

INFO www.crhs.cr.k12.de.us or (302) 697-2161

As the song goes, "Beauty and the Beast" is a "tale as old as time," which is probably why the classic Disney fairy tale continues to delight audiences of all ages.

Caesar Rodney High School students have spent the last 14 weeks rehearsing the Disney staple and audiences can expect to see and hear all the characters that the cartoon made life-like.

The production is no run-of –the-mill high school production, either. Keith McCarthy, the productions director, estimates that the cast and crew of 70 students have put in around 200 hours' worth of work.

"The kids have really done a nice job of taking hold of their characters," McCarthy said. "They've made them their own while remaining true to the story."

The play actually opened Thursday night but the whole cast and crew is looking forward to each night's performances.

"There's always an extra buzz in the air when we bring people in for the performance, where there are people there to laugh at the jokes," said McCarthy.

Tickets are $8 for general admission or $5 for seniors and students, children younger than five are free. Tickets can be purchased from cast members up until Thursday, or at the door.

A LITTLE IRISH LUCK ON LOOCKERMAN

WHAT 18th Annual Dover St. Patrick's Day Parade

WHERE downtown Dover

WHEN 2 p.m., Saturday

COST fee

INFO www.dowtowndoverpartnership.com

Saturday will mark the 18th anniversary of Dover's St. Patrick's Day parade. The event has become a Dover tradition, drawing hundreds of spectators who join in by dressing up in festive green garb.

The event is sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership and is expected to draw more than 90 entries this year in categories like "anything with wheels," "best float" and "best musical group."

While there is no registration fee, entrants had to register by Monday in order to participate. This year's Grand Marshal will be Terry McGinty, a retired school teacher with strong Irish ties. John W. Kennedy, president of the Irish Society of Delmarva, considers Mr. McGinty the resident expert on Irish history and culture, including Irish music.

The parade will be held rain or shine at 2 p.m., Saturday, beginning at Spence's Bazaar, then will head north on Queen Street, turning east on Loockerman Street and finishing at Federal Street.

PLUG IN & PLAY

WHAT St. Patrick's Day Jam

WHERE The Green Stinger, 492 Walnut Shade Road, Dover

WHEN 2 to 6 p.m.

COST No cost to participate. There will be charges for food and beverages

INFO (302) 698-3300

The Green Stinger Sports Bar and Grill will host its first ever St. Patrick's Day jam Sunday afternoon.

The event requires no registration and very little planning. Just show up and play, regardless of your skill level. The house system will be set up (including the drums) but musicians are asked to bring their own guitars, voices, tambourines or whatever instrument they want to use.

"As always, The Green Stinger is making an effort to support local music in Dover," said co-owner Erin Sebastian. "Planning and hosting this event is just another way to allow these musicians a venue to showcase their talents."

The Stinger will also be serving up some serious St. Patrick's Day fare like corned beef, potatoes and cabbage. There will also be Reuben sandwiches for $6.99 to $9.99, domestic drafts for $2 and $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas for the early birds who hit Sunday brunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

"Since we opened the doors, we have cultivated and formed strong ties with local musicians," said Sebastian. "We enjoy providing a place for them to network and an opportunity for them to play with bands other than their own."